Welcome, Dean B

We are excited to welcome Nyika Buccello to the Miss Hall’s Leadership Team as our new Dean of Student Life.

Nikki comes to MHS with more than 20 years of experience as a high school teacher and administrator, most recently at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Bronx, New York, serving since 2021 in the role of Form Dean and overseeing the intellectual, social-emotional, and ethical development of 152 students in the Class of 2025.

From 2006-2017, Nikki was a faculty member and administrator at the Purnell School, a girls’ boarding school in New Jersey. While at Purnell, she served in a variety of leadership positions, including Math Department Chair, Diversity Coordinator, Director of Advising, and Assistant Dean of Students. She also taught math, worked as a resident in the dorms, and led project-based interdisciplinary travel experiences.

From 2018-2021, Nikki was High School Placement Coordinator and Middle School Math Teacher at Christina Seix Academy, a pre-K through 8th grade school, also in New Jersey. As co-Founder and Director of the Ethical Culture’s Future Leaders Summer Camp for the past three summers, Nikki also brings experience leading all aspects of camp operations, including staff recruitment and training and program development.

At MHS, Nikki’s responsibilities include overseeing residential and day student life, grade-level activities, and all-school traditions; supervising program leaders, including Athletics, student leadership, Class Coordinators, and Weekend Activities; monitoring student discipline, with an emphasis on restorative practices; and serving on the MHS Leadership Team, the senior administrative group responsible for providing strategic vision and direction for MHS, grounded in the School’s mission.

A graduate of Seton Hall University, Nikki holds a B.S. in Secondary Education in Math and an M.A. in Education. She is also a girls’ school alumna!

“I am thrilled that Nikki has joined the MHS Leadership Tea,” says Head of School Julia Heaton. “During her interview process, she expressed her excitement to return to her roots in girls’ boarding schools and continue her professional journey in a school community rooted in lifelong learning, social justice, and growth.”

“My most cherished time on any campus occurs while engaging with students,” notes Nikki, who began her new role July 1. “Students are at the heart of every decision I make. Each student is reachable, teachable, and worthy.”

We couldn’t have said it better. 💙💛